Built in 1955, the City of Kingsports Wastewater Treatment Plant has experienced upgrades in 1965, 1982, and is currently undergoing a continuous improvement process. The plant currently treats an average of 9 million gallons of wastewater per day. The process includes screening, grit removal, solids settling, biological treatment, clarification, disinfection and solids stabilization.

An engineering study was completed in 2001 that outlined a multiphase plant rehabilitation and upgrade plan. The study identified and ranked plant deficiencies based on an assessment of plant equipment performance, benchmarked current industry standards and State & Federal permit requirements. Completion of the phases of this project will replace nonfunctional equipment and provide upgrades that will enhance plant performance.